By Manal Abdel Fattah
Salem bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, said at the Berlin International Tourism Exchange (ITB), which was launched in official partnership from the Sultanate of Oman, that this company at ITB Berlin is a privilege for a country that has a lot to offer, whether in the field of tourism or in the field of solid wisdom in the face of challenges.
He added: The global tourism sector has witnessed good performance over the past two years, although the sector is still working to address some of the repercussions of Covid-19
He continued: Many of us are facing new challenges, whether here in Europe or in our region, as this is evident in the human suffering in the land of Palestine.
He explained that this unfolding suffering was originally the result of a brutal occupation for more than 75 years, as the main source of turmoil and instability, continuing: We must all come together to form a united front and address the underlying causes.
He said that the importance of the tourism sector for the Sultanate of Oman is not exaggerated, as this sector has contributed significantly in recent years economically and socially, explaining that travel for us Omanis is an integral part of our DNA, as our ancestors set foot on many foreign lands for thousands of years, in places as far away as China, Africa and Europe. And the United States of America, the famous ancient Omani sailors are perhaps considered the first travel guides.
He added: Thanks to Oman’s strategic location at the crossroads of the world’s continents, all these wonderful tourist elements and all the amazing experiences that Oman offers have today become easily accessible for everyone looking to enjoy travel and tourism.
He said that the range of things to see and do in the Sultanate of Oman is truly wonderful and of course the warmth of the welcome and generous hospitality is an attitude that promotes unforgettable communication and an experience that confirms the enjoyment of life, but all this is not enough – in this highly competitive global market and in order to achieve success we need an exceptional tourism offer. And to a strong and flexible framework for the tourism industry.
He added that huge investments have been made and there are new, vibrant destinations under development, continuing: Together we look forward and seek to define the future of tourism, so let us ensure that we have been able to draw a comprehensive and sustainable road map.
He said: Let us navigate a path that leads us forward to ensure that our children and grandchildren will be able to experience the joy of travel and cultural communication, to chart a clear path to fulfill our obligations to future generations and to create a legacy of which we are proud.
